Eastman Industries HM19H-4 User manual

EASTMAN INDUSTRIES
Model HM19H-4
Model HM19H-4-OP
Operator’s Manual

2
Contents
Pages
Safety Instructions
GeneralOperations 4
SlopeOperations 5
Children 6
Service 7
Assembly
Installing the Handle 10
Filling the Crankcase with Oil 11
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline 12
Operation
Starting the Engine 13
Stopping the Engine 15
Adjusting the Cutting Height 15
OperatingTips 17
Maintenance
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 19
Checking the Engine Oil Level 20
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower 20
Servicing the Air Filter 20
Changing the Engine Oil 21
Maintaining the Cutter Disc 22
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor 23
Servicing the Spark Plug 23
Storage 24
Troubleshooting 26
Schematics and Mower Parts 28
Warranty 32

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WARNING!
This mower, when oriented in the
front to back position, is capable of
continuous operation on slopes
reaching 45 degrees incline. The
use of this mower on inclines
steeper than 45 degrees will cause
severe damage to the engine
VOIDING ALL APPLICABLE
WARRANTIES.

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This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or
death.
General Operations
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
Manual. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
mower before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
3. Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the mower.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the mower if
anyone enters the area.
6. Do not operate the mower when barefoot, wearing open sandal or regular
shoes. Always wear heavy boots or substantial footwear.
7. Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Look down and
behind before and while moving backwards.
8. Do not operate the mower without proper inspection of the safety and
protective devices.
9. Read the Operator’s Manual for proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories approved by Eastman Industries.
10. Shut the engine off when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
11. Shut the engine off whenever you leave the equipment.
12. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before
cleaning the mower or unclogging grass and debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
16. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
17. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating
mower.

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Slope Operations
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All
slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow across the face of slopes; not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when
changing directions on slopes.
Always keep the mower below you when mowing on the slope.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
(Figure 1)

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DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
Do not push the mower up the slope.
Do not mow slopes that are steeper than 45°incline.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
(Figure 2)
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the mower. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a
responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small
children.

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4. Never allow children to operate the mower.
5. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects
that may obscure vision.
Service
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. Gasoline is highly
flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only approved containers.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine
to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the mower indoors.
d) Never store the mower or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, such as a water heater.
e) Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a
plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your
vehicle before filling.
f) When practical, remove the mower from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
g) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container
opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-
open device.
h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
2. Never run an engine inside a closed area.
3. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

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6. Keep mower free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage on the mower. Allow mower to cool before storing.
7. Stop and inspect the mower if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
8. Never attempt to remove grass or debris from mower while the engine is
running.
9. Cutter disc components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which
could allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and, when
necessary, replace with Eastman Industries’ recommended parts.
10. Mower blade is sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing it.
11. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
12. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary.
WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
Consult the engine manual for more complete instructions
regarding engine maintenance and operation.

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Introduction
Read this Manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly. The
information in this Manual can help you and others avoid injury and product damage. Although
Eastman Industries designs and produces safe products, you are responsible for operating the
product properly and safely.
When you need service, genuine Eastman parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized
Eastman Dealer or Eastman’s Customer Service and have the model and serial number of your
mower ready. For the Model and Serial numbers refer to the silver tag attached to the rear of the
mower housing.
Eastman Industries
70 Ingersoll Drive
Portland, Maine 04103
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hovermower.com
Write the Engine model and serial numbers in the space below.
Model # _______________________________
Serial #________________________________

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Assembly
Installing the Handle
1. Mount the lower handle on the handle brackets with two (2) clevis and cotter pins. (Fig 3).
Figure 3
1. Handle Bracket 2. Lower Handle
3. Clevis Pin 4. Cotter Pin
2. Attach the upper handle to the lower handle, with four (4) 5/16”-18 x 1 ½” shoulder bolts and
wing nuts (Fig 4)
Figure 4
3. Secure the throttle cable neatly behind the handles using black tie wraps. Use one tie wrap
for the upper handle and one tie wrap for the lower handle.

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Preparing the Engine
IMPORTANT: The Engine is shipped without oil.
Fill the engine with oil prior to startup in order to avoid
serious damage to the engine.
Consult the engine manual for more
complete instructions regarding engine
maintenance and operation.
Filling the Crankcase with Oil
The crankcase holds 0.58 U.S. quarts (0.55 liters) of oil. Use only high-quality SAE 10W30
weight detergent oil that has the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classification SF,
SG, or equivalent. SAE 30 W oil is recommended for ambient temperatures exceeding 80°F.
Before each use, ensure that the oil level is between the Lower and Upper limit marks on the
dipstick (Fig.5)
Figure 5
To add oil:
1. Move the lawn mower to a level surface.
2. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop.
3. Clean around the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
6. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck BUT DO NOT SCREW IT IN. Then remove the
dipstick and read the oil level. (Fig. 5)

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7. If the oil level reading is below the Lower Limit mark on the dipstick, slowly pour only
enough oil into the filler hole to raise the oil level to the Upper Limit mark on the dipstick.
Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and run the engine; engine damage will result. Drain
the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is within the limit.
8. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the cap clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline
•Use clean, fresh, lead-free gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher. Using unleaded
gasoline results in fewer combustion deposits and longer engine life.
•Do not use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, 10% ethanol, or 15% MTBE. Using
fuels containing a higher percentage of these additives will damage the engine and void
manufacturer’s warranty.
•Do not use gasoline that is stale or has been stored since the last mowing season or longer.
Figure 6
To Fill the Tank:
1. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop.
2. Clean around the fuel tank (Fig 6)
3. Remove the cap from the tank.
4. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the fuel level limit in the neck of the fuel tank. Do not over
fill.
5. Install the cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.

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Operation
Warning: Prior to starting the mower:
1. Make sure the engine in filled with oil (Fig.5)
2. Make sure the mower is placed on grass devoid of rocks and loose branches.
WARNING: Never carry or tilt the mower with the carburetor leaning
toward the ground. This will cause gasoline and engine oil
to flow through the carburetor and soak the air filter.
Replace the soaked air filter before attempting to start the
engine.
Starting the Engine
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. Open the fuel valve (Fig. 7)
Fuel Valve Lever
Figure 7
3. Move the throttle control to the (Choke) position. (Fig. 8)
Figure 8
Throttle Control in choke position

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**For Mowers equipped with Operator’s Presence Control (OPC), pull the OPC arm up toward
the handle and hold it securely with left hand. (Fig. 9)
Figure 9
4. Pull the starter handle lightly until you feel resistance, then pull it sharply. (Fig 10)
Figure 10
5. Push the throttle control into run position after engine starts. (Fig. 10)
Figure 11
Throttle control in operating position

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6. The engine operates at a FIXED THROTTLE SPEED for optimum performance.
Stopping the Engine
1. Push the throttle control to (stop) position to shut off the engine. (Fig 12)
Figure 12
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug if you do not use the lawn mower or if you leave it
unattended.
3. Shut the fuel valve.
4. For mowers equipped with OPC release the OPC arm to shut off the engine.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
The cutting height can be adjusted from 1/2” – 3”. The height is preset at approximately 2”. The
height can be raised or lowered in ¼” or ½” increments.
1. Stop the engine and wait for the blade to stop before adjusting the cutting height.
2. Tilt the mower to its left side making sure the carburetor is on the upside of the mower and
away from the ground. Never tilt the mower with the carburetor pointing toward the
ground.
3. Remove the impeller retaining bolt, flat washer and cutter disc. (Fig. 13)
Figure 13

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4. To obtain a higher cut remove the height adjustment spacer (s) from the impeller hub.
Remount the cutter disc to obtain the highest cut - do not use any spacers. Install the flat
washer and the Impeller retaining bolt. Tighten the bolt securely. (Fig 14)
a. Remove the height adjustment spacer (s) from the impeller hub. (Fig 14)
b. Remount the cutter disc.
c. Install the flat washer and the impeller retaining bolt.
d. Tighten the bolt securely.
e. To obtain the maximum cut height, do not use any spacers.
f. Use a 3” long Impeller retaining bolt when no adjustment spacers are used.
Figure 14
1. Impeller 3. Impeller Flat Washer
2. Cutter Disc 4. Impeller Retaining bolt
6. To obtain a lower cut add height adjustment spacer (s) between the impeller hub and the
cutter disc. Remount the cutter disc. Install the flat washer and the impeller retaining bolt.
Tighten the bolt securely. (Fig. 15)
a. Add height adjustment spacer (s).
b. Remount the cutter disc.
c. Install the flat washer and the impeller retaining bolt.

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d. Tighten the bolt securely.
e. Use a 3 ½” long impeller retaining bolt when one or two ½” spacer (s) or 2 or more ¼”
spacers are used.
Figure 15
1. Height Adjustment spacer
Operating Tips
•Review the safety instructions and read this Manual carefully before operating the lawn
mower.
•Never mow on slopes with inclines exceeding 45°.
•Never attempt to mow by pushing the lawn mower up the slope.
•Keep the mower pointing down when mowing slopes.
•Always stay above the mower when mowing slopes.
•Walk across the slopes not up and down.
•Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches and other debris that the blade could hit or
throw.
•Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away from the area of operation.
•Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs or other solid objects. Never deliberately mow over any
object.
•If the lawn mower strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately stop the engine,
disconnect the wire from the spark plug and examine the lawn mower for damage.
•Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season.

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•Replace the blades when necessary with original Eastman Industries replacement blades.
•Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause
the lawn mower to plug or the engine to stall.
•Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and come in contact with the blades.
•Clean the underside of the lawn mower deck after each mowing. Keep the engine in good
running condition.
•Clean the air filter frequently. Mulching stirs up more clippings and dust which clogs the air
filter and reduces engine performance.
•Consult the Engine Operator’s Manual for more complete instructions regarding engine
maintenance and operation.

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Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.
Service Interval Maintenance Procedure
Check the engine oil level.
Check the blades and blade attachment bolts. Tighten if they are loose.
Check the air cleaner.
Each Use
Remove grass clippings from the impeller fins.
Remove the grass clippings and dirt from under the housing.
Clean the air intake area around the engine.
Check the blades and the blade attachment bolts. Tighten them if they
are loose.
5 Hours Replace the blade mounting bolts if they are worn or damaged.
Inspect the cutter disc. Change if the cutter disc is bent or the pem
inserts are lose or worn.
25 Hours Clean the air cleaner. (1)
Change the engine oil. (2) (3)
Clean – replace the air cleaner. (1)
50 Hours Sharpen or replace the blade; maintain it more frequently if the edge
dulls quickly in rough or in sandy conditions.
Clean the fuel filter.
Check for leaks in the fuel system and/or a deteriorating fuel hose.
Replace parts if necessary.
Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
Clean – replace the air cleaner.
100 Hours
Clean the cooling system; remove grass clippings, debris, or dirt from
the engine air cooling fins and starter. Clean the system more
frequently in dirty or high-chaff conditions.
Replace the air filter. Replace it more frequently in dusty conditions.
150 Hours
Replace the spark plug.
Storage Empty the fuel tank before repairs or before storage.
(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty conditions.
(2) Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours (first oil change only).
(3) Change the engine oil every 25 hours when used under heavy load or high ambient temperature.

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Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you use the lawn mower, make sure that the oil level is between the Upper and the Lower
Limit marks as shown on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the Lower Limit mark, add oil.
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower Housing
To ensure the best performance, keep the underside of the lawn mower housing clean.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and drain the fuel tank.
2. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side with the carburetor and air cleaner on the upside of
the mower and away from the ground.Remove the grass thoroughly and return the mower
to up-right position.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Clean the air filter and foam pre filter every 25 operating hours. Replace the air filter every
season or every 150 operating hours - clean and replace the filter and foam pre filter more
frequently in dusty conditions.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Press the latch tabs on the top of the air filter cover and remove the cover. (Fig. 16)
Figure 16